HELLO, SAILOR

FROM 80S-THEMED TRIPS TO TRAVELLERS BOOKING UP TO TWO YEARS AHEAD, HERE ARE THE TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2026. BY LAUREN TAYLOR

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At Ambassador Cruise Line, they're leaning into nostalgia too.

CEO Christian Verhounig says: “We're offering a ‘Back to the 70s’ cruise, sailing aboard Ambition in April 2026, where guests can groove to disco hits and enjoy themed parties as they sail across the North Sea to Zeebrugge.”

There's also a ‘Back to the 80s’ trip too from Bristol in November 2026 - with ‘80s-inspired quizzes, fancy-dress competitions, retro workout classes, menus celebrating classic era favourites and some famous faces, like Carol Decker of T’Pau and Samantha Fox making guest appearances.

The hot (and cold) spots

“This year, we're seeing exceptionally strong demand for our Mediterranean itineraries amongst our UK and Irish customers, with over all bookings for 2026 up 10% year-on-year,” says Antonio.

“There is particularly strong interest in sailings offering ‘off the beaten track’ destinations, such as the island of Syros in Greece, Kotor in Montenegro and Ancona in Italy.

“These ‘hidden gems’ have a vibrant local culture and offer guests authentic experiences which we know they love.”

Christian notes the high interest in locations of historical importance, too.

“Whether it’s medieval guildhalls, naval dockyards or defensive walls, the interest in cities, ports and landmarks with historical credentials remains popular,” he says.

“Destinations such as Bruges, a city that feels like stepping into a medieval painting, Lisbon, with its cobbled streets and riverfront monuments, or even Tallinn, with its merchant houses and defensive walls, are evergreen hotspots for those who want to learn more about the stories that shaped our modern world.”